Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments

In the early-morning hours of August 5, 1962, Los Angeles County deputy coroner Ben Fitzgerald arrives at the home of the world's most famous movie star, now lying dead in her bedroom, naked and still clutching a telephone. There he discovers The Book of Secrets—Marilyn Monroe's diary—revealing a doomed love affair with a man she refers to only as "The General." In the following days, Ben unravels a wide-ranging cover-up and some heartbreaking truths about the fragile, luminous woman behind the celebrity. Soon the sinister and surreal accounts in The Book of Secrets bleed into Ben's own life, and he finds himself, like Monroe, trapped in a deepening paranoid conspiracy. The Empty Glass is an unforgettable combination of the riveting facts and legendary theories that have dogged Monroe, the Kennedys, the Mafia, and even the CIA for decades. It is an exciting debut from a remarkable new thriller writer.

Synopsis

Weaving together true historical events with infamous conspiracy theories, The Empty Glass is a riveting, paranoiac thriller narrated by the young coroner who is among the first on scene at Marilyn Monroe's bungalow when the actress is reported dead.

About the Author

J. I. Baker is the executive editor of Conde Nast Traveler, and a former development editor at Time Inc. He has also worked for Real Simple, Glamour, and Us Weekly magazines, and is a founding editor of Time Out New York. The Empty Glass is his first novel. Kirby Heyborne is an accomplished actor, musician, and comedian. He has received critical acclaim for his starring roles in the award-winning World War II drama Saints and Soldiers, the lighthearted family comedy The R.M., the award-winning boy-band mockumentary The Sons of Provo, and the award-winning quixotic comedy Pirates of the Great Salt Lake. He has had starring roles in thirteen features and many short films. Kirby has also appeared on the WB's Everwood and many national commercials. Recently, Kirby was seen as a recurring character on the hit FOX sitcom Free Ride. Kirby has received a number of AudioFile Earphones Awards for excellence in audiobook narration. He has narrated such titles as Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, Black Swan Green by David Mitchell, Breathers by S. G. Browne, and The Genius by Jesse Kellerman. Kirby is a cofounder and director of the celebrated Los Angeles–based improv comedy group The Society. Also a successful musician, Kirby has released four solo albums and has had his music featured in many films. Kirby has delighted audiences across the country with his ability to blend heart-warming stories, beautiful music, and comedic wit. Arielle DeLisle has been a voice actor and commercial producer for over a decade. Her titles span many genres, including science fiction, romance, young adult, and thriller, including Michael Wallace's Righteous series. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband, daughter, and their four mischievous cats.